Land return, rematriation, and conservation work led by Indigenous peoples intersect with several of the key issues impacting the well-being and cultures of our Indigenous nations. This includes, but is not limited to, issues of environmental and climate justice, food sovereignty, health, and economic justice. As a practice, land returns are being done by land trusts without easements or restrictions, while at the same time scholars have recognized that Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and decision-making in conservation work also represent conservation best practices — resulting in the most effective ways to conserve lands productively for climate resilience and biodiversity.

Chuck Loring is a citizen of the Penobscot Nation. In his work duties, he provides oversight to the Nation’s natural resources department. Though his path has been through forestry, Chuck feels a deep connection to not only the forest, but the animals within it.

Betsy Cook is the Maine State Director for the Trust for Public Land’s (TPL). She is committed to ensuring all Mainers have equitable access to the outdoors. Betsy has worked with communities across the state to create over 25,000 acres of new public lands, parks, and community forests.

Darren J. Ranco, a citizen of the Penobscot Nation, is Chair of Native American Programs at UMaine. His research focuses on the ways in which Indigenous Nations resist environmental destruction by using Indigenous science and diplomacies to protect their natural and cultural resources.

To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Ruth Hallsworth, 207.581.3196.